His extensive research and powerful writing delivered invaluable insights into 20th-century U.S. history.

It was never Joseph E. Persico's style to be flowery and grandiose in his writings.

The accomplished author, historian and lifetime Capital Region resident, who died last week at age 84, always stuck to the facts in his many riveting works about the Civil War and the two world wars, as well as his significant biographies of key U.S. figures of the 20th century, including Edward R. Murrow, Nelson A. Rockefeller and Franklin D. Roosevelt.

But it was his conviction that history is shaped by the personalities of its key players. So without florid additions, let us consider the facts about the life of Mr. Persico.

He came from humble roots, born and raised in Gloversville, where his parents worked in the glove trade. After winning a ninth-grade essay contest, Mr. Persico later recalled, "I was infected with the writing virus and I never recovered."

He spent 11 years as a speechwriter for New York Gov. Nelson A. Rockefeller and a stint later working for Vice President Rockefeller, before publishing "The Imperial Rockefeller." The work offered a detailed, insider's view of how the wealthy philanthropist-turned-politician operated. A New York Times review asserted, "No one has written a book like this about Nelson Rockefeller before."

By thoroughly researching all his topics, he was able to draw on the extensive documentation to add muscle to his writings and give readers deep insights into the subjects of his work.

His book "Nuremberg: Infamy On Trial" was described by the broadcast journalist, Howard K. Smith, as "simply the best account of the trial." It was adapted into a television miniseries that won two Emmy Awards.

He served on the American Battle Monuments Commission when it commissioned the World War II Memorial in Washington. At the monument's base, beneath a field of gold stars representing the 400,000 Americans who died in that war, are inscribed Mr. Persico's simple but powerful words: "Here we mark the price of freedom."

At age 78, long after many would legitimately feel comfortable resting after so many accomplishments, Mr. Persico began work on his 12th book, an exhaustive piece that chronicled the interactions of President Franklin D. Roosevelt with America's military commanders in World War II. The magnificent work, published in 2013, included 70 pages of bibliography and source notes.

As Joseph E. Persico is buried today following a private service at the Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, we are grateful for his dedication to history and scholarship, which in no small way was a patriotic act.

For when tomorrow's citizens struggle to make sense of previous generations' crises and the very human figures in their midst, they will have Joe Persico's clear eye and devotion to truth-telling to guide them.